Daniel Inglis, Paralyzed Lacey Firefighter, Dies

The Inglis family reported that Daniel, a former Union City cop and Lanoka Harbor firefighter who became a quadriplegic after a motor vehicle accident on Christmas Eve in 2011, has died.

“This morning our beautiful son became an angel in Heaven, God needed him to protect us from above now,” the family wrote on the “Support for Daniel Inglis” Facebook page. “Daniel is at peace, it was his time, even though some might say he was too young, he accomplished so much, loved so many, and made an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched.”

Daniel Inglis, 25, was leaving the Lincoln Tunnel when he got into a single-car accident and found himself in the Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City just more than a year ago.

The 2006 graduate of Lacey Township High School became paralyzed from the neck down.

Daniel Inglis had spent several months at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the Bellevue Hospital in New York City and most recently, Kessler Rehabilitation Center, where he continued to work toward mobility.

He had only returned to his Lacey home in August.

During the last year, the Lacey community has rallied behind the Inglis family with fundraisers and support.

On Facebook, the Inglis family asked those to remember Daniel’s baby blue eyes, his “heart melting smile” and his “love of life.”

“This past year we were blessed to have Daniel, he never gave up even though there were times that he easily could have, he is a fighter, he showed us his love every single day,” they said. “We are very proud to call him our son, brother and grandson.”

Hundreds have written on Facebook in memory and honor of Daniel Inglis. He is being remembered as an “amazing young man,” “strong,” a “fighter” and a “great person and friend." 

To read more about Daniel Inglis in 2012, click the links to the right under "See More on Patch."

Services will be held at Riggs Funeral Home on Route 9 in Forked River from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3. The funeral service will be on Friday, Jan. 4 at the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department on Warren Avenue in Lanoka Harbor with a procession going to the Ocean County Memorial Park. Repast to follow at the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department.

Please continue to follow Lacey Patch in the upcoming days for more on Daniel Inglis.

Below are some of the comments people are saying on Facebook. Please feel free to post your memories in the comment section of this story as well as upload photos of Daniel.

“It has been an honor to know Dan. He has forever changed my life.” –Becki Ann

“Wow I can’t believe this day is here, Dan you will always have a place in my heart. You were like a brother to me. Rest in peace angel. My thoughts and prayers for the Inglis family.” –Jen Wells

“So sorry to hear this news. He will forever be in all our hearts. He is a role model and will always be remembered as so! Sadly missed.” –Jimmy Tomori

“We are so sorry for your loss. Daniel was an amazing man!! It was easy to see where he got his strength from. You are an awesome family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!” –Cindy Lee Mitton

“Love to you all. Daniel was an amazing young man and we were blessed to know him. We are so sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts.” –Jennifer Bentley

“I didn’t know Daniel personally but being a Lacey native and seeing him be so strong watching graduation, I followed his progress wishing him the best along the way. I’m so sorry for your loss.” –Sandra DiLuccio

“Dan is forever a hero in my eyes. He put up an amazing fight, and I am grateful that you all were able to spend the past year loving each other. I will hold your family in my prayers, and I know your angel will watch over you. God bless and rest easy Dan.” –Alisia Glieden Lane

“Thank you for being the most amazing person and friend you always were. It is truly amazing how many lives you have touched at such a young age. I am proud to say you were my friend. You are in a much better place now though and I know you will continue to look over all of us. Love you buddy!” –Maggie Rac